FAQs

Groups of judges may wish to consider these factors (not all of which will apply to a given category):

Quality/Value: How good is the production quality. How attractive is the game. How nice are the components?
Theme/Originality: How interesting and original is the subject of the game and/or the game's mechanics. How new or innovative is the idea of the game?
Playability: How easy was it to play the game and learn it? How clear were the rules?
Balance: How balanced is the game? How much does luck play a role? Is the impact of luck detrimental? Does player order affect the outcome in a way that is not allowed for by some mitigating factor?
Fun Factor: How much fun was it playing the game?

In the end the method for making your judgment on games is your own. These are merely guidlines.

These are the categories for the awards.

Best New Boardgame (American-Style ) Generally feature a prominent theme, encourage direct conflict between players and have a significant degree of luck. American-style games often have longer playtimes and have mechanics designed to suit the theme. Sometimes referred to as Ameritrash. (Games with a target ages of 12+ and specifically not for young children.)

Best New Boardgame (Euro-Style ) Generally these games will have less direct player interaction, limited elements of luck and less conflict. Sometimes called a Eurogame or German-style board game. (Game with a target ages of 12+ and specifically not for young children.)

Best New Boardgame (Strategic) These are games which involve tactical and strategic game play, involve direct player interaction, often involve elements of competition, conflict and sometimes military themes. Miniatures may be involved or tokens representing characters or units(Game with a target ages of 12+ and specifically not for young children.)

Best New Card Game (General) Generally these games will not involve a board, but cards will be the predominant feature. This category includes lighter and more family orinetated games.

Best New Card Game (Strategic) Generally these games will not involve a board, but cards will be the predominant feature. This category features a high degree of tactical or strategic play. Examples may include Collectible Card Games. (Game with a target ages of 12+ and specifically not for young children.)

Best New Dice Game Generally these games will not involve a board, but dice will be the predominant feature.

Best Gaming Novelty The category covers items and products which are not directly used in or with games but are themed or related to the world of gaming. Examples would include clothing, food and drink, books and journals, jewellery etc

Best Role-playing Game The main rules set for a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting and where the main thrust is players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a story generally run by a games master.

Best Role-playing Game Expansion An expansion or supplement for roleplaying games which expands or adds to an existing game system.

Best Role-playing Game Adventure An adventure, scenario or campaign or campaign setting for roleplaying games.

Best Miniatures Range A miniatures range for use in wargames or roleplaying games.

Best Miniatures Rules A rules system where the core part of the game is using miniature figures to fight out battles.

Best Party Game A game which is usually light and easy to play, with simple rules and designed for larger groups or a party

Best Children's Game A game which is specifically designed for younger children (10 years or below) to play with or without adult supervision but not a game adults would play on their own.

Best Family Game A game which is ideal for children (perhaps older children) and adults to play together and all enjoy equally. Something for parents and kids to have fun together with.

Best Abstract Game An abstract game is a game that minimizes luck and does not rely on a theme. It typically focuses on strategy where skill and careful planning is the key.

Best Accessory Anything gaming related not covered in the other areas e.g. game storage solutions, dice bags etc.

Yes you can.

You can hire the services of a Forklift from

Nautilus Exhibitions,
The Old Boat Yard, South March, Daventry, Northamptonshire, NN11 4PH

T:+44 (0) 1327 304058
E: info@nautilusexhibitions.co.uk

You can also bring your own Moffett but you must comply with Health and Safety regulations as laid out here.

In lines with rules on GDPR we do not share contact details of exhibitors (except those who have submitted applications for the Show Preview to facilitate communications regarding their games for that event).

We do not ourselves have time to email exhibitors asking for their permission to share their details with you.

What we recommend you do is find your stand on the map.

You can check your stand number by logging into your exhibitor portal or by looking it up on the exhibitors page. *

Any contact data the exhibitor is sharing publicly may then be used to make contact.

*Please note exhibitors will not be visible on either page until they have paid their deposit.

We use your logo on the exhibitor listing page and later on the interactive map of the show. It is also used on Exhibitor Events which you can add to the system so visitors know what is happening on your stand at the show

To add the logo follow these instructions:

Log into the Exhibitor Portal (click here to get access )

Click on the STAND tab and then your stand number and then open stand description add an image to the stand description. That image will show up in your event listing as well as the exhibitor listings.

After you upload please leave it an hour before checking it is visible as it has to pass through our caching process.

Exhibitor Description
In the exhibitor portal under Stands you will find a stand description section. Here you can add and edit the stand name (exhibitor name), descriptions and logo which will appear in the interactive map on our site (published around April each year.) as well as the URL of your website.

Do not include discount or special offers in the descriptions. It should describe the company or game and not contain phrases like "Get 2 for 1 this weekend".

HOW TO EDIT OR ADD YOUR DESCRIPTION:

1. Login to your your exhibitor portal and go to the stands tab.

2. Click the EDIT STAND button.

3. Review and edit the Exhibitor Name.

3. Type out or edit the description. There is a 90 Character Limit (including spaces).

4. Click the Save Edits button to save the entry.

5. You can also add a longer description that can include images, lists and links and we plan for that to appear as a pop up on the online map.

Please note that any description added after 5th May will not show in the programme.

This FAQ document gives you information on how to get into the NEC to set up for the show. This is relatively long but includes important information. You are strongly advised to read it at least once.

There is a separate FAQ that contains the UK Games Expo NEC Site Rules.

Please familiarise yourself with our NEC Site Rules and make sure that all of your people have read them. Key points are:

Only individuals aged 16 and older are permitted in the unloading areas or the hall during the build period on Wednesday and Thursday.

Children under the age of 16 are permitted to enter the trade halls with the exhibitor or guest passes, provided they are under adult supervision. Entry times are as follows: 7:00 am on Friday and 8:00 am on Saturday and Sunday.

Please note that some restocking might occur during these hours, and pallet trucks may be in use. Therefore, children should stay at the stands they are associated with until 9:00 AM, when the halls officially open to the public, allowing them to move about freely.

Children with exhibitor passes can remain on their stands under adult supervision even after the halls are closed to the public. However, they must be escorted by an adult to the exits within one hour after closing time on Friday and Saturday nights. On Sunday night any children under the age of 16 must have left the trade halls by 16.00 which is the start of the derig period.

Hi-vis vests must be worn by everyone when vehicles are in the Halls (moving or static), so please remember to bring them.

Access

The Normal build period for exhibitors starts on Thursday 29th May 2025.

The contractors who are building stands, erecting walling, etc are starting to build on Wednesday 28th May 2025.

Early Access

Exhibitors who require early access to unload large vehicles and deliver pallets etc. may be able to gain access early from 2:00 pm on Wednesday 28th May. This must be arranged in advance - contact Paul if you need this. Stands from 100 sqm upwards will be granted access if requested. Stands under 100 sqm will not unless there is extensive construction required. The organisers will make a ruling on that.

Please note that furniture and power installations will occur on Wednesday, and exhibitors arriving that day may not receive theirs until late evening.

Normal Access

Access for Exhibitors begins at 8:00 am on Thursday 29th May and continues until 9:00 pm

On Friday 30th May, Access for Exhibitors begins at 7:00 am. All stands must be fully set up for the show opening time of 9.00 am on Friday 30th May 2025.

Arriving at the NEC

If you are arriving by train or plane, take the Skyway from the railway station to the NEC. When you descend the stairs at the far end, go through the doors and turn right to reach Hall 2..

If you are driving, enter B40 1NT in your Sat Nav or access the NEC site from Junction 6 of the M42. When you arrive at the NEC site, proceed to the North Lorry Park. (North12 - see the NEC site plan). This is the designated staging area for vehicles to access the NEC site, guided by NEC security. This applies during the build period on Thursday, the restocking periods each morning, and the breakdown period on Sunday. For Restock periods on Friday and Saturday evenings, please use the main entrance (Gate 1) instead of the Lorry Park for access.

Your exhibitor name, stand number and contact details must be clearly displayed in your windscreen while you are on site. Vehicles on site with no clearly displayed details risk being removed by NEC security.

Getting Access

You will be provided in advance with an Access Pass for the exhibition halls, which will tell you which access door to use. When you arrive in the hall, present your Access Pass to NEC security, who will issue you with wristbands that must be worn at all times.

These wristbands are for the build period only and are not valid for access on show days.

The Access Pass is available for download as a PDF document through your Exhibitor Login on the UK Games Expo website. If some of your crew will be turning up separately, make sure each person/group has a copy of your Access Pass.

Access for Vehicles

In order to bring a vehicle onto the NEC site, you MUST book your vehicle entry in advance. You do this at www.voyagecontrol.com/necbirmingham. This is now operational for 2025.

There is a Voyage Control end user guide you may wish to read.

This booking system talks about 'Deposit System' days. The only time the Deposit System is in place for UKGE is the Build day on Thursday 29th May 2025, from midday onwards. It will not be in operation for the restock periods or the breakdown period at the end of the show.

Vehicles up to 2 tons are allowed one hour on site
Vehicles over 2 tons are allowed two hours on site
Articulated vehicles are allowed three hours on site

If you are unable to complete your unloading in the time given, your options are to break your unloading into more than one session, or to forfeit your deposit. However, please note that the NEC may require overstaying vehicles to be removed, so choosing to forfeit your deposit will not guarantee an unlimited unloading period.

As this will apply to all vehicles, any couriers or partners that will be delivering goods for you must be made aware of this.

Unloading

While you will be assigned an access door suitable for your location in the exhibition halls, you may still be some distance from your stand. Exhibitor vehicles will not be allowed inside the hall. Please bring your own trolleys/sack trucks/dollies to save yourself time and effort. Do not ride on these yourselves.

The location of the vehicle entry doors are shown on the Hall 1 and Hall 2 Exhibitor Access Maps. The available access doors for Hall 2 will be VE2.1, VE2.3 and VE2.5.

Hall 3 and 3a TBC.

In the event of another access door becoming available while you are waiting for your nominated access door, you may be offered the option of using that as an alternative but be aware that this will usually involve a longer walk to reach your stand. Once you have unloaded, please take your vehicle to the free Exhibitor car parks to make space for other Exhibitors. These are car Parks E1 to E4 (see the NEC site plan). This is particularly important if you require some time to set up what you have unloaded. You can retrieve your vehicle later on to reload surplus items.

Getting Your Exhibitor Show Passes and Car Park Passes.

Exhibitor Show passes and parking passes will be available from UK Games Expo Exhibition Services, located next to vehicle entry door VE3.3 in Hall 2. Present your Access Pass for this collection.

The number of Exhibitor Show passes you are entitled to can be checked on the UK Games Expo web site - How many trade passes do I get?.

The number of free passes and additional passes you are entitled to buy is based on the size of your stand.

The number of car park passes you are entitled to can be checked on the UK Games Expo website - How do I get an Exhibitor Car Parking pass?.

When you collect your passes, please take all the passes for your stand.

If members of your show crew are arriving later, you will need to make arrangements to meet them outside the exhibition halls to give them their show passes.

Delivering to the Show

If you need to have anything delivered to the show, as opposed to bringing it yourself, be aware that the NEC will not accept deliveries before 2pm on Wednesday 28th May 2025 and then only if an exhibitor is present to receive the delivery. Deliveries can be made on Thursday 29th May 2025 and then only if an exhibitor is present to receive the delivery. For a delivery vehicle to get onto the NEC site, the delivery company MUST book the vehicle entry in advance. You do this at www.voyagecontrol.com/necbirmingham.

Also, be aware that you cannot leave anything in the halls once the show has closed, so you cannot arrange for something to be collected on or after Monday 2nd June 2025

If the delivery or collection involves pallets, the delivery driver should have the ability to load/unload pallets from their vehicle.

If your delivery or collection involves pallets and you do not have the ability to load/unload these yourselves, you can hire fork lift services from UK Games Expo Limited. Arrange in advance by emailing production@ukgamesexpo.co.uk, +01562 69391 or go to Exhibitor Services to arrange this at the show. This service will only be available on the Build days and during the Breakdown period. Be aware that on-site bookings may be subject to a delay if the service is in use, so being independent for your own loading/unloading can be a distinct advantage.

Restock Periods

Exhibitors will be able to restock their stands during the restock periods. These are one hour before the halls open to the public and one hour after the halls close.

When restocking, please access via the South 3 Lorry Park for the morning sessions, via the main site entrance (Gate 1) for the evening sessions, and remember to have your Access Pass with you.

Opening Times

These are the public opening times for the Exhibition Halls:

Friday 30th May 2025: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday 31st May 2025: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday 1st June 2025: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Here are the UK Games Expo - NEC Site Rules

General Site Rules

All personnel working within or near the hall must be informed of these site rules. UK

Games Expo will advise all Contractors and Exhibitors. Contractors and Exhibitors must

ensure that this information is passed on to all their staff.

Access to the hall during the Build/Breakdown and Restock periods is for authorised

personnel only.

Nobody below the age of 16 is allowed in the loading/unloading areas or in the exhibition

halls during the Build/Breakdown and Restock periods.

Emergency gangways must be kept clear to allow cleaning tractors, forklift movement

and emergency access/egress at all times.

Emergency gangways will be clearly identified and communicated to all personnel

working within the hall site.

Work tidy - Maintain good housekeeping at all times and dispose of all waste in an

appropriate manner.

Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is only permitted in designated smoking areas.

The NEC Event Management and Health & Safety teams have access to the site at all

times.

Vehicle Access

Vehicle access to the hall is via the NEC's nominated staging area. UK Games Expo will

issue you with a vehicle pass for access to the exhibition halls. Ensure that this is visible

on your dashboard while on site.

Be aware of the NEC Traffic Rules and comply with instructions from NEC and UK Games

Expo staff regarding vehicle movements at all times.

Drivers, watch out for pedestrians when driving near to or within the hall. Pedestrians,

watch out for vehicle movement at all times.

Vehicles may be directed to park outside the exhibition halls for unloading. No vehicles

will be allowed to enter the exhibition halls at any time.

Protective Clothing

The Initial Build period on Thursday 1st June 2023 starts at 09:00 and finishes at 21:00.

During this period, all personnel in the exhibition halls for any reason must wear a hi-vis

vest.

During the remainder of the Build period and during the Restock and Breakdown periods,

all personnel loading or unloading vehicles must wear a hi-vis vest.

Suitable footwear should be worn at all times during the Build/Breakdown and Restock

periods. Open-toed shoes, sandals, flip-flops, etc. are not permitted. Loose clothing that

could be caught on moving items should be avoided.

Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents and near misses within the halls must be reported immediately

to the organiser and any outside the halls to the venue.

In case of emergency, do NOT call the emergency services. Instead, call the following

numbers:

- Fire 0121 767 3333 and give the location and nature of the incident

- Medical 0121 767 2222 and give the location and details of injuries sustained

NEC staff will assist you and arrange for all necessary assistance.

Special Permits

Hot Work (i.e. welding, etc.) requires a hot work permit from the venue. This must be

arranged in advance.

All forklift and vehicle movement required within and outside the halls must be notified

in advance to the organisers. The NEC Forklift Policy must be observed (copy available

on request).

Yes we do.

You can download a pdf of maps of the NEC, and NEC Maps of Hall 1 and Hall 2.

Imagine if the visitors arriving by road, air or rail pass by posters and banners promoting your games and products. Reach out to them by well placed media

Find out more in the NEC Media Pack

If you have forgotten your password you will need to request a reset which can be done from this page.

If you just wish to change your existing password then do as follows

Login to your account
Click on MY PROFILE in the menu
Enter your old password and new password
Click save changes

It is possible that once you have submitted an event it may be necessary to edit the event.

You will be able to do this via the Manage Events page in your account.

Once you have logged into your account and gone to the Manage Events page, you will see events which you have editing rights for on that page.

Click the event you wish to edit.

Note that some fields are not editable after they have been submitted and some cannot be edited after events are live on the system.

In the event of any questions email:

Millie Lavelle, Community@ukgamesexpo.co.uk

These are the opening hours of various sections of the show:

NEC Exhibitor Halls Opening Hours

Trade Hall

Friday 30th July 2021: 9 a.m. till 18.00.

Saturday 31st July . 9 a.m. till 18.00.

Sunday 1st August 9 a.m. till 4 p.m..

NEC Gaming and Tournament Halls Opening Hours

Friday 30th July 2021: 8 a.m. till midnight.

Saturday 31st July . 8 a.m. till midnight.

Sunday 1st August 8 a.m. till 6 p.m..

NEC Board Game Library Opening Hours

Friday 29th : 10am - 6pm

Saturday 30th : 10am - 6pm

Sunday 31st : 10am - 4pm

UK Games Exo uses sell sheets to assess applications to the Publisher-Designer Speed Dating . First make sure you have applied using the links above. You will be given the opportunity to upload the files as you go along.

Ensure the sell sheet name is "GAME NAME SELL SHEET" - replace GAME NAME with your games name!

Do not just call it 'sell sheet' or 'UKGE sell sheet'

UK Games Expo uses rule sheets to assess applications to the Publisher-Designer Speed Dating s. First make sure you have applied using the links above.

You hen upload the attachment as part of that process.

Ensure the Rules sheet name is "GAME NAME RULES SHEET" - replace GAME NAME with your games name!

Do not just call it 'RULE sheet' or 'UKGE RULE sheet'

Are you a game designer that has a new game design in your head or even in physical form?

Thinking about attending UKGE but not sure how to proceed?

Are you trying to find out more about how to get your game published?

Read all about it!

Here are some articles to read to get you started

In the 2019 Programme Guide we published an article "I have this idea for a game" which is an overview of how to get your game made.

Read all about how James Smith, designer of Reveal used Playtest UK and UK Games Expo to help get his game from an early design to being published by Paul Lamond.

If you are thinking about attending UKGE you have a few options to think about.

A) VISIT UKGE AND DO YOUR RESEARCH.
If your game idea is at a very basic stage and you are not sure how to proceed or if you are very new to the world of games and want to find out more about other games, about publishers etc then consider just coming as a visitor to UKGE. Try out game designs by the companies present, chat to designers. Use the visit as research.
To Follow Route A just buy an entrance ticket and turn up.

B) GET THE GAME INTO THE PLAYTEST ZONE
The cheapest approach is to book your game a slot in the Playtest Zone. Most places are free to use (you just need an entry ticket). You book a slot via the organisation, Playtest UK, who run the tables. (3 hours slots require a £12 donation to an Expo charity.)

Basically, you are allocated a playtesting table to set up your game. The Playtest Zone volunteers will invite Expo attendees to sit down and play your game. Many folk who attend UKGE are happy to try new designs and give helpful comments. This feedback is a great way to improve your game and this is a crucial stage for all designs. The playtesting sessions are allocated in 90 minutes or 3 hours slots.
You cannot use the Playtest Zone if you are selling the game.
To Follow Route B, read the Playtest Page and contact Playtest UK to book your slot. Then buy an entrance ticket and turn up.

C) HIRE A STARTER STAND
You hire a 3m x2m starter stand for £264+VAT. Add a table – say 4ft x 2ft and 4 chairs for an additional circa £29 (Or bring your own). This way you get 3 whole days of potential playtest and feedback. With many games that could mean dozens of games get played and you could have lots of feedback. In addition you can sell games from Trade Stands. Note that Starter stands are placed at the discretion of the organisers in standard space and will not be Corners, Endcaps or Island. They are never placed in Superior space.

D) HIRE A FULL SIZED STAND.
Finally you go the whole hog and take a full size Trade stand. These can be of almost any size, shape and configuration and cost from £63.00 per sqm. So let's say you had 5m x 4m that would cost £1260+VAT. Clearly a stand of that size would allow you the space to fit in a number of demo tables, a sales area etc.

To follow Route C or D you must become an exhibitor.

E)TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE PUBLISHER-DESIGNER TRACK
The UKGE Publisher Designer Track is includes prototype testing tables, seminars and panels for games designers and publishers, networking events and opportunities for budding designers to pitch their ideas to publishers.
What is great news is that it is all free (you just need an entrance ticket)
Find out More

The Trade Hall at UKGE can seem rather intimidating. There are 400+ exhibitors with stands from 4 sqm up to 300 sqm. There are a great many amazing games out there. In order to make the most of UKGE you have to stand out and attract in the gamers to try your games.

Make the game as good as it can possibly look. Even in the case of a prototype a bit of extra effort can pay dividends. So pay a local printer to print the game board in high resolution. Consider higher quality components etc. many publishers will have special demo versions such as giant versions etc.
The whole stand is part of your display. Consider pull up banners, coming in costume etc. At the very least get some branded T Shirts to promote the games company.
Help the visitor find out more. Make sure you have flyers about the game, business cards to give out. Consider placing an advert in the UKGE programme.
Take along playtest feedback forms for people who play the game to fill in and give you feedback.
Don't forget the Show Preview
Don't miss out on the Publisher Designer Track of events and activities.
Tell us your news and we will tell our customers
For more impact think about a paid for advert in the programme or an online marketing campaign. See exhibitor pack for details.

I am a new exhibitor

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Before you can setup a portal you have to book a stand with us. Please first email us to book a stand before proceeding.

Once you have a stand you will receive an invitation with instructions on what to do next.

While we do not swap or exchange tickets, (Things can get a bit messy), you can simply request a refund for your current tickets and purchase the new tickets you require.

How to request a refund?

Get the App